SEMs demonstrated that ELS and left VS reactivity to reward indirectly predict other depression symptoms and problematic alcohol use via the mediating effects of anhedonia and substance-related coping. Specifically, decreased reward-related left VS reactivity and elevated ELS was associated with increased anhedonia (b = −0.657, p = 0.047), which, in turn, was associated with elevated levels of non-ahedonic depression symptoms (MASQ-SF GDD: b = 0.361, p < 0.0001). The SEM demonstrated good fit (normed χ2 = 1.89, RMSEA = 0.033, SRMR = 0.007, CFI = 0.976) with bootstrapped 95% confidence intervals reflective of a significant indirect effect (Fig. 3). A second model showing good fit (normed χ2 = 2.68115, RMSEA = 0.045, SRMR = 0.013, CFI = 0.919; Fig. 4) demonstrated that relatively higher anhedonic symptoms were also associated with elevated levels of substance-mediated coping (b = 0.007, p = 0.019) and consequently the likelihood of problematic drinking (b = 1.781, p < 0.0001). Similarly bootstrapped 95% confidence intervals suggest a significant indirect effect (Fig. 4b). There were no direct effects of the interaction between ELS and left VS reactivity
